Breadcrumb of the Robert Half Website

30 character traits of mentally strong people

By Robert Half 20th May 2016

After a truly terrible day at the office, in a quiet moment of reflection, you might marvel at the fact you had the fortitude to get through the whole experience without screaming (or quitting). You think, “How did I do it?” A likely factor: You are a mentally strong person.

Mental strength can be a road map for personal success in all areas of your life — especially your career. But to use your mental strength to its full advantage, you need to focus on developing it just as you would any other high-value skill. Honing your sense of purpose and cultivating your ability to make good things happen are part of that process.

More than mind over matter

There are also things you shouldn’t do if you want to build mental strength.

Licensed psychotherapist Amy Morin published an article about the healthy habits of mentally strong people that went viral. She focused on the things mentally strong people don’t do, and how that helps them to be more successful in business.

According to Morin, wasting energy on what you cannot control, giving up after failure, and resenting other people’s success are among the behaviours that mentally strong people avoid.

You’re in line for a promotion, but you’re not the only candidate under consideration. You’re not worried, though — you believe the odds are in your favour.

4. Self-aware

A coworker’s behaviour frustrates you. Don't snap the moment it happens. Instead, you think of a measured way to express your annoyance and hopefully your relationship will with your colleague will stay cordial.

5. Adaptable

You recommend a strategy that is rejected by your project team. You ask your colleagues to help you brainstorm an alternative, and ultimately embrace an idea that hadn’t even occurred to you.

6. Flexible

Your firm is implementing a new business system. You commit to learn everything you can, as quickly as you can, about the new technology.

7. Drama-free

You’re known for helping to defuse conflicts at the office, not for creating them.

8. Reliable

Your coworkers know they can count on you. Period.

9. Fair

You always take the time to hear both sides of a story, and gather all the facts, before making a judgment.

10. Self-sufficient

Teamwork is great, but you have no trouble flying solo, when needed.

11. Consistent

To your colleagues, you’re a known quantity, not a question mark.

12. Hard worker

No one would ever associate the term “slacker” with you.

13. Takes responsibility

When you make a misstep, you own it.

14. Understands that life is not always fair

OK, so you didn’t get the promotion you were so optimistic about. C’est la vie – now, onto preparing for the next opportunity!

15. Welcomes a challenge

A new and potentially difficult assignment? Sign you up.

16. In control of their actions and emotions

You never have, and likely never will, embarrass yourself at the holiday office party or any other company event.

17. Embraces change

Your firm is in transition. Instead of fearing what’s ahead, you make a point to find out as much as you can about the change and offer your support to management.

18. Unafraid to speak up

Your manager asks for your opinion about a proposed process change. You don’t hesitate to provide it — and suggest a different approach.

19. Navigates upsets with grace

That promotion you didn’t get? You sincerely congratulated the person who did.

Oops, you miscalculated on the raise. Turns out your request was a bit over the top. You’ll be sure to do your research next time.

23. Enjoys social interaction

When colleagues want to go out for coffee, or play football after work you’re more than glad to join in the fun.

24. Values solitude

Sometimes, you prefer to eat lunch alone under a tree.

25. Quick to share credit for good work

Sure, you spearheaded that project. But without the support of your team, you never would have made it to the finish line on time.

26. Committed to long-term goals

When you make a plan, you stick to it.

27. Able to see the “big picture”

You can visualize how your contributions on the job help the business to achieve its broader objectives.

28. Ready for the unexpected

Surprise! The firm just landed three new accounts and your boss wants you to manage them all. You ask, “When can I get started?”

29. Manages stress effectively

Sometimes, work is pretty intense — but you always do what it takes to maintain work-life balance so you don’t burn out.

30. Prioritises health and well-being

You understand there is a connection between your mental strength and your overall wellness. That’s why you never let your health and well-being take a backseat to your job.

How many of these character traits do you have? Many are the types of attributes that are the mark of a good leader, and examples of the non-technical skills that many employers look for in today’s professionals. So they’re worth developing not only as part of your quest to build your mental strength, but also to help advance your career.

*This article has been adapted from the Robert Half Management Resources blog.